How to Read a Food Label

How healthy is that food?

Overwhelmed by all those hard-to-pronounce words on the ingredient list? You're not alone. "The Nutrition Facts panel is experts-only stuff, useful just for those who have a degree in nutrition," observes Adam Drewnowski, PhD.

To get in and out of the store with your sanity intact, adds Caroline Kaufman, RDN, "have a game plan and know what you are looking for so you can quickly scan the label for the most important information." Here's what you should zero in on.